CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS
Sustainable Farm Fellow at University of Redlands
Location: Redlands, California
Number of Positions Available: 4
Time Commitment: September 16, 2024 - August 15, 2025
This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 16, 2024 - August 15, 2025. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Monday - Friday, approximately 8am - 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development.
**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Program, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 16, 2024 - Aug 14, 2025 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Program.
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About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship
The California Climate Action Corps has over 350 positions available across California for the 2024-25 CCAC Fellowship. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders. These are paid, full-time fellowships—similar to internships—but with 170-340 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving hands-on experience in the climate field.
CCAC Fellows serve as AmeriCorps members and are matched with organizations across California to mobilize communities to take direct climate action and lead projects focused on wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and organic waste diversion and edible food recovery.
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Applications are accepted May 1 - August 16, 2024, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 21, 2024.
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Program Benefits
Redlands offers invaluable opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and networking connections that can pave the way for future career opportunities. As a Fellow, you'll gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and community engagement while collaborating with experienced staff and our vast network. Access to university academic resources can enhance your skill set, and connections forged during your Fellowship can open doors to potential future career pathways in sustainability and environmental fields. Other benefits include:
- Receive up to a $33,600 stipend (pre-tax) spread evenly over 11 months
- Earn up to $10,000 (pre-tax) education award upon completion of 1700 hours
- Participate in 170-340 hours of professional development & training
- Minimum essential healthcare coverage
- Forbearance on qualifying student loans and interest payments accrued during term
- Food assistance and child care assistance (for those eligible)
Description of Duties
The Sustainable University of Redlands Farm (SURF) serves as a pioneering hub for sustainable agriculture and community engagement, fostering ecological resilience and social empowerment. Located on the north side of the University of Redlands campus, SURF integrates diverse elements including a drought-tolerant garden, produce fields, greenhouse, community garden plots, and composting area. Fellows will spearhead management efforts at SURF and "Treestock," a tree farm initiative dedicated to shading lower-income neighborhoods and combating urban heat island effect. With a mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance community well-being, SURF Fellows will coordinate tree planting, manage composting operations, and support the Student Food Pantry. Collaborating with campus partners and local organizations, Fellows will lead initiatives to expand urban greening, sustainable gardening, and composting education programs. Through hands-on engagement and strategic partnerships, the Fellows will drive forward initiatives addressing climate resilience, food security, and environmental justice within the University of Redlands community and beyond.
- Lead management of Treestock program by overseeing tree selection, budget, volunteer coordination, and distribution efforts for thousands of trees grown at SURF, aiding in urban heat island mitigation and community resilience
- Develop care plans for vineyards, groves, and orchards at SURF to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and optimal crop yields
- Collaborate with Esri and university resources to develop a GIS application for Treestock, facilitating data collection and analysis for strategic planning
- Engage with campus and local partners to expand community outreach in urban greening, sustainable gardening, and composting education programs, fostering environmental stewardship and community empowerment
- Assist in composting operations, irrigation management, planting schedules, event coordination, and educational workshops to ensure the success of SURF and Treestock initiatives
- Craft content for social media outreach for SURF and Treestock initiatives, amplifying community engagement and project visibility
- Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact
Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements
- Live in California by August 16, 2024
- Be at least 18 years of age by September 16, 2024
- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate
Desired Qualifications/Skills
Experience in Volunteer Engagement, Event Coordination, Community Outreach, Environmental Education, Field Experience, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Organic Waste/ Edible Food Recovery, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management, Environmental Justice/ Equity, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Event Planning, GIS / Mapping, and Marketing or Social Media. Other valuable contributions include:
- An interest in climate change mitigation, volunteerism, or public service
- Experience with outreach, education, training, or community behavior change
- Fundamental understanding of climate change science, environmental policies in California, and/or environmental priorities
- Excellent organizational, writing, interpersonal, and speaking skills
About University of Redlands
The University of Redlands' Office of Community Service Learning hosts the Sustainable University of Redlands Farm (SURF), a vibrant hub for sustainable education and community engagement. Located on campus, SURF cultivates produce, conducts compost operations, and spearheads innovative programs addressing hunger and climate change.
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Apply Today!
Applications are accepted May 1 - August 16, 2024, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 21, 2024. Interviews will take place May - August, with all positions filled by August 2024. This is a competitive program and interviews are not guaranteed. CCAC is an equal opportunity Fellowship with a preference for candidates already living in the communities they will serve. Applications are for the California Climate Action Corps Program in general, but applicants can select up to 3 preferred organizations and positions within the application.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $3,055.00 per month
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person